Exams

In-Person Paper Exams:

The Operator Certification program will be hosting a few in-person exam sessions. Exams will be held in October in Plover and Eau Claire, in November in Plover and Rhinelander, and in March 2024 in La Crosse. Exam application forms and more information about the in-person paper exams can be found on the Operator Certification Exams Page under the DNR Applications tab within the DNR In-Person Paper Exam Application Forms subsection.

The Operator Certification program launched a new computer-based format in January 2022 for all Operator Certification exams.

Included in the new process is a second registration process with our contractor PSI. The PSI exam fee should not be mailed to the department. Any DNR exam application that is submitted with the PSI fee will be returned to exam applicant with a request to only submit the DNR exam application form and DNR exam fee to the Operator Certification program. Additional information regarding the PSI registration and scheduling process can be found in the DNR Exam Application tab.

Please review all tabs below and the Wisconsin DNR Operator Certification Exams Candidate Handbook before filling out and submitting your DNR exam application form.

The flow chart below shows the new exam application, registration, and scheduling process when applying for a computer-based exam through PSI. Processing time is 2-4 weeks from when you put your DNR exam application materials in the mail to when you receive an email (schedule@goamp.com) to register and schedule your exam:

Complete and submit your DNR exam application and DNR fee by mail. Details and forms on the DNR Exam Applications tab. Exam applicants will receive their exam eligibility email 2-4 weeks after submitting their DNR exam application.
Once contacted by PSI via email (schedule@goamp.com), follow the information in the email to register and schedule your exam date, time, and PSI computer testing center through PSI's website.

OpCert Exam Process Flowchart cropped.jpeg

Ch. NR 114, 499, and 524 Wis. Adm. Code require an individual to pass one or more exams in order to become a certified operator. These exams are provided either by DNR staff in-person on paper or by a private, third-party vendor (PSI) who offers exams at computer labs listed under the Exam Locations tab.

All exams are multiple choice and are on a computer, with the only exception being the Wastewater - Unique (Subclass U) exam (subclass U), which is a short-answer exam completed on paper. For additional information for Subclass U exams please see the "Paper/Hardship" tab.

A score of 75% or higher is a passing score for Municipal Waterworks, Wastewater, Septage and Small Water Systems (OTM/NN) exams. A score of 70% or higher is a passing score for Solid Waste (Landfill) exams.

Exams completed through PSI will have exam results provided to the exam taker with a score report immediately upon completely the exam. Exams completed in-person on paper will have exam results delivered by mail 2-4 weeks after the exam date. Wastewater - Unique exams, which is a narrative, short answer exam, can take up to four weeks for grading and notification.

Additional information, including study guides, can be found under the various program certification tabs, which can be found on the righthand side of this webpage.

Wastewater – General: 50 questions
Wastewater - Suspended Growth Processes: 50 questions
Wastewater - Attached-Growth Processes: 50 questions
Wastewater – Recirculating Media Filters: 25 questions
Wastewater – Ponds, Lagoons, and Natural Systems: 50 questions
Wastewater – Anaerobic Treatment of Liquid Waste: 25 questions
Wastewater – Solids Separation: 50 questions
Wastewater – Biological Solids/Sludge: 50 questions
Wastewater – Disinfection: 50 questions
Wastewater - Laboratory: 50 questions
Wastewater – Total Nitrogen: 25 questions
Wastewater – Total Phosphorus: 50 questions
Wastewater - Sanitary Sewer Collection System: 50 questions
Wastewater – Advanced: 100 questions
Municipal Waterworks – Distribution: 40 questions
Municipal Waterworks – Groundwater: 40 questions
Municipal Waterworks – Iron Removal: 40 questions
Municipal Waterworks – Lime Softening: 40 questions
Municipal Waterworks – Surface Water: 80 questions
Municipal Waterworks – VOC Removal: 40 questions
Municipal Waterworks – Zeolite Softening: 40 questions
Small Water System – Water System General Operation: 40 questions
Septage – Septage Operator Grade L: 40 questions
Septage - Septage Operator Grade T: 40 questions
Septage – Septage Master Operator Grade L: 25 questions
Septage - Septage Master Operator Grade T: 40 questions
Solid Waste – Site Operator: 50 questions
Solid Waste - Facility Manager: 50 questions
Private Water - Pump Installer: 100 questions
Private Water - Water Well Driller: 100 questions
Private Water – Heat Exchange Driller: 80 questions

The Operator Certification program's computer-based exams allow for increased exam date availability. PSI computer labs offer exams six days/week. Exams completed through PSI provide results to the exam taker immediately after completing the exam.

The flow chart below shows the new exam application, registration, and scheduling process. The steps completed by exam applicants are listed below:

Complete and submit your DNR exam application and DNR fee by mail. Details and forms on the DNR Exam Applications tab. Exam applicants will receive their exam eligibility email 2-4 weeks after submitting their DNR exam application.
Once contacted by PSI via email (schedule@goamp.com), follow the information in the email to register and schedule your exam date, time, and PSI computer testing center through PSI's website.

Computer Lab Exams: In-Person

PSI has computer labs available in the cities listed below. If you would like to preview the specific testing locations, please review this link.

Stevens Point
Green Bay
Oshkosh
La Crosse
Madison
Waukesha
Duluth, Minnesota
Marquette, Michigan

Please review this video that provides an overview of the PSI computer lab testing center exam experience.

Exam Scheduling

Operator Certification's previous exam structure had a set date for exams that occurred once every three months. After receiving DNR exam application approval, the new exam format allows for exams to be scheduled with increased flexibility and availability. Exams are available at PSI computer labs six days per week.

Upon receiving the exam eligibility email from PSI, an exam applicant can schedule an exam. More information regarding exam scheduling can be found under the "DNR Exam Applications" tab.

Exam Time Limits

New time periods have been set based on the specific exam or exam bundle being taken. Exam time lengths are listed on the DNR Exam Application forms.

Wastewater - Unique (Subclass U) Exams

The only exam not offered through PSI computer labs is the Wastewater - Unique (subclass U) exam. To request an application for a Subclass U exam please email DNROpCert@wisconsin.gov with the subject line "Wastewater - Unique (Subclass U) exam request".

Exam Hardship Process

If an exam applicant requests ADA accommodations or any other legitimate, documented reason for being unable to complete an exam on a computer, please contact the Operator Certification Coordinator to request a hardship waiver at DNROpCert@wisconsin.gov.

he Operator Certification program facilitates three exams for the Private Water section of the Drinking Water and Groundwater program:

Pump Installer
Water Well Driller
Heat Exchange Driller

Private Water Supply exams are "open code." Clean copies of NR 146, NR 811, and NR 812 are provided to exam registrants in sealed plastic by the department. No other open-book references are allowed. Failure to follow these requirements will result in forfeiture of the scheduled exam and fees.

If you are taking an exam at a PSI computer lab the reference code booklet will be mailed to you after the department finishes processing your DNR exam application form.

If you are taking a DNR in-person paper exam the reference code booklet will be provided for you on the day of the exam. Department staff will give you your sealed reference booklet when checking in for your exam.

Pump Installer Applicants

Pump Installer exam applicants can submit a DNR exam application and fee via mail as desired. Applications can be under the "DNR Applications" tab.

Driller Applicants

Water Well Driller and Heat Exchange Driller exam applicants must request an application by emailing DNRDGLicensing@wisconsin.gov. After eligibility review and approval, the exam application will be provided to the applicant for completion and submittal via mail.

Exam Application

What is the new exam application process?: The exam application process requires two steps from the exam application. 1) Complete and submit a DNR exam application form and DNR exam fee to Wisconsin DNR's mailing address. More information is under the DNR Exam Application tab. 2) You will receive an email to register and schedule your exam(s). A link to PSI's exam registration and scheduling portal will be provided in the email.
Step two of the exam application involves receiving an exam registration email. Who will be sending the exam registration email?: The exam registration and scheduling email will be sent by PSI's scheduling subcontractor, AMP. The email sender name is "AMP Customer Service" and the email address is schedule@goamp.com.
How long does the application process take once I mail my DNR exam application?: From the day you put your DNR exam application and DNR fees in the mail to the day you receive your exam registration and scheduling email, the application process can take 1-4 weeks. If your exam application is submitted to DNR incorrectly it will be returned to you by mail with requests for how to correct the item(s) and resubmit the application.
How should I list my name on the exam application?: Your name should be an exact match to the photo ID you will be providing to PSI on exam day. If the name you provide to DNR is a shortened version of your name as it appears on your ID you will not be admitted to the exam session and your fee will not be refunded.
What information is required on the DNR exam application form?: Your full name as its displayed on your photo ID that will be used for exam check in, mailing address, email address, and Social Security Number. For those applying for Municipal Waterworks or Small Water System (OTM/NN) exams, a signature and date certifying the possession of a high school diploma or GED is also required.
Why is my Social Security number required?: Wisconsin State Statutes 299.08(1), 29.024(2r)(a), and 299.07(1) require that the Operator Certification program submit an exam applicant or certified operator's Social Security number to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development to ensure that the exam applicant or operator does not have any outstanding taxes or child support payments. Your Social Security number is securely stored and any documentation with your submitted number is either redacted or destroyed. Based on these state statutes, an exam applicant cannot receive exam scores, apply exam results, or renew their certification if they do not provide their Social Security number. Any exam results or certification renewal will be withheld or will not be processed until the information is provided. If you submit a DNR exam application without your Social Security number it will be returned to you by mail with request to provide the number accordingly.
How do I request a receipt for payment of my DNR exam fees?: Receipt for DNR payment can be requested by emailing DNROpCert@wisconsin.gov with a subject line of DNR Exam Fee Receipt Request – [Last Name]. Please include your full name, your DNR certification number if you know it, and the DNR exam fee amount you paid. The Operator Certification program will provide a PDF receipt via email.
How do I request a receipt for payment of my PSI exam fees?: PSI provides an automated confirmation email through AMP Customer Service after your exam registration fees are processed. This email is sent on the day of your PSI registration from schedule@goamp.com, the subject line is "ABC-WI Exam Payment Receipt for [Full Name]", and will include details of your payment date, amount, and for what exam.

Exam Day

This is my first time taking an exam with the new computer-based format. What should I expect?: We strongly recommend you read all the information on the Operator Certification Exams page before beginning the exam application process. Additionally, we strongly recommend you read the Wisconsin DNR Operator Certification Exams Candidate Handbook, which provides an overview of the process from application submittal to exam day. Please review the information under the Exam Locations tab, which offers a video link providing a summary of the PSI computer lab experience.
When can I report for my computer lab (in-person) exam?: PSI recommends you report 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled testing time you will not be admitted for your exam.
Can I use a calculator during the exam?: Yes, an on-screen calculator will be available for the entirety of all exams. Personal calculators and phone calculators are prohibited.
When will my exam results be processed by the DNR?: The Operator Certification program will process your exam results within 2-3 weeks of your exam date.

Retaking an Exam

How do I retake an exam that I did not pass?: To retake an exam please complete the two-step exam application process beginning with the DNR exam application form. Once processed you will receive the exam registration email with information and a link to PSI's online exam scheduling portal. Exam dates must be 30 days apart.

The flow chart above shows the new exam application, registration, and scheduling process. The steps completed by exam applicants are listed below:

Complete and submit your DNR exam application and DNR fee by mail. Exam applicants will receive their exam eligibility email 2-4 weeks after submitting their DNR exam application.
Once contacted by PSI via email (schedule@goamp.com), follow the information in the email to register and schedule your exam date, time, and PSI computer testing center through PSI's website.

Print, complete and mail the appropriate exam application form and DNR exam fee to the Operator Certification program.

To register for multiple exams during the same exam session you register for an exam bundle. Bundled exams are pre-set packages of more than one exam which are taken during the same testing session. Bundled exam sessions can only be registered for you if you have passed any the exams in the exam bundle. Bundled exam application forms can be found at the bottom of the page under the "Bundled exam application" section.

You can register for one or multiple single exam sessions at a time by completing the appropriate Single Exam Application. You may check multiple exams on the same exam application form.

Exam application fees can be paid for by check, money order, or cash. Please write all checks to "Wisconsin DNR". Submit completed exam application and fee(s) to the mailing address below. The Operator Certification program will review and process complete applications within 10 business days of receipt.

Wisconsin DNR
Operator Certification EA/7
PO Box 7921 Madison, WI
53707-7921

Required Information and Materials

Any exam application missing required information will be mailed back to the exam applicant with a request to provide the missing information.

Below is a list of exam applicant information or materials that will cause an application to be considered incomplete, if omitted:

Full legal name as appears on photo ID
Email address
Mailing address
Phone number
Social Security number (page 2 of each exam application form)
Exam fee(s)
Certification of high school diploma/GED: Municipal Waterworks and Small Water System--OTM/NN-- exams only

PSI Exam Registration and Scheduling

Once a DNR application has been approved and processed, exam applicants will be contacted by PSI via email. PSI exam eligibility email are received 2-4 weeks after submitting your DNR exam application.

The exam eligibility email includes a link to PSI's exam registration and scheduling website. Registration includes an exam registration fee based on exam time length.

The PSI exam fee should not be submitted to DNR. The below fees will be requested by PSI during the exam registration and scheduling process. Any DNR exam application that is submitted with the PSI fee will be returned to exam applicant.

1-hour session: $70
2-hour session: $80
3-hour session: $90

PSI Computer Exam Application Forms

Below are the DNR exam application forms for PSI computer lab exams. If an applicant wants to take more than one exam during the same testing session, they must apply for a bundled exam.

DNR In-Person Paper Exam Application Forms

The Operator Certification program will be hosting a few in-person exam sessions. Exams will be held in October in Plover and Eau Claire, in November in Plover and Rhinelander, and in March 2024 in La Crosse.

Exam applications must be submitted by mail and postmarked no later than three weeks prior to the requested exam date.

Exam application fees can be paid for by check, money order, or cash. Please write all checks to "Wisconsin DNR". Exam fees are noted next to exams on each application form. PSI exam fees will not be required for these in-person paper exam sessions.

Upon receipt, approval and processing of your exam application, you will be mailed an exam confirmation letter noting the address of the exam location and what to bring on exam day. Please bring a #2 pencil, photo ID, and basic calculator.

Renew Online

You can now renew your wastewater, municipal waterworks, and small water system certifications online through the Environmental Licensing and Certification Online Renewal Portal.